Later today on Steam we will be releasing the official tool kit for RAGE — the same tools used to create RAGE and it’s DLC, The Scorchers. From the game’s world building tool, idStudio, to game maps and assets, the kit provides everything you need to get started with modding the first-ever idTech 5 title.

Interested? Before you start downloading the hefty 35+ GB file, the RAGE team has provided some documents to read. As described in the welcome document, these tools provided are complex and aimed towards “technically sophisticated and adventurous” modders.

Hot (pun intended) off the heels of RAGE’s new add-on, The Scorchers, reviews and impressions are making their way online. Embedded above, IGN shares their 10-minute first look at the content, while sites like The Controller Online, ZTGD, and HiddenAudioLog are already posting their reviews. And this just in, OXM UK scores The Scorchers a 9/10 and declares that it is a “not unpleasant burning sensation.” Hmm.. okay, we’ll take it!

DLC coverage continues with Dragonborn and Dunwall City Trials rounds, after the break…

RAGE: The Scorchers, the official add-on DLC for RAGE, is now available on Xbox 360, and Steam for $4.99 (or 400 Microsoft Points). PlayStation 3 players in North America can expect the content later this afternoon and those in Europe will be able to download it tomorrow.

Return to the Wasteland in The Scorchers, an all-new RAGE add-on from id Software – arriving on 360, PC, and PS3 next week for $4.99 (or 400 Microsoft Points).

In this brand-new adventure spanning six all-new areas, you will fight alongside new allies to defend the Hager Settlment from a maniacal bandit clan known as The Scorchers. Along the way, you’ll participate in a new season of Mutant Bash TV, encounter new mini-games, and wield the overpowering and brutal Nailgun.

In addition to the new content, this DLC includes ‘Ultra-Nightmare’, a new high difficulty mode, as well as an ‘Extended Play’ option that allows you to play past the original ending of the game – giving you the opportunity to finish collecting items and achievements.

We’re pleased to announce that Mac gamers can now get their hands on RAGE with today’s digital release of RAGE: Campaign Edition!

The Campaign Edition offers the full, unaltered RAGE single-player campaign, including the Wasteland sewer missions and the Anarchy Edition content (Double Barrel Shotgun, Rat Rod Buggy, Fists of RAGE, and Crimson Elite Armor) for the price of $39.99. The game is available now live on the Mac App Store, Aspyr Media’s GameAgent.com, and other Mac digital retailers.

Get more on RAGE on the go with the RAGE HD v2.0 update. The update, now available on the iTunes, includes new melee combat, official support for iOS 5, and enables the in-app purchase of two new episodes, Kraken and Aqueduct. The new episodes are available for purchase for $.99 via the “Store” button on the RAGE HD main menu.

Today on Gamespot, the nominees for this year’s Interactive Achievement Awards were announced. We’re excited to share news that Skyrim was nominated in six categories (including Game of the Year), while id Software’s RAGE is up for Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering.

Below is the full rundown of nominations…

Skyrim – Game of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Story, Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year, Outstanding Innovation in Gaming, Outstanding Achievement in Game Play Engineering, and Outstanding Achievement in Game Direction.

RAGE – Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering

Join us in congratulating the teams at Bethesda Game Studios and id Software on their well-deserved nominations.